Circumcision

Circumcision Reference Library Summary

[CIRP note: ACOG has not placed the actual
text of their circumcision policy online. It is available on
their website only to their members. Therefore, the
Circumcision Reference Library has prepared this
interpretation of ACOG's position, for readers who do not
have access to a medical library.]

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(ACOG) released a position statement on neonatal
circumcision, identified as "ACOG Committee Opinion Number
260", in October, 2001. The statement may be summarized as
follows:

Lack of medical value. The statement affirms
ACOG's agreement with and support of the 1999 American
Academy of Pediatrics Circumcision Policy
Statement. From this it is clear that ACOG cannot and
does not recommend elective non-therapeutic circumcision of
infant boys for medical reasons or for any other
reason.

Complications. ACOG admits that "common
complications are local infections and bleeding", but fails
to state that death may result therefrom. The statement
does not mention surgical mishaps, which may result in
serious injury.

Pain. Good ethical medical practice requires use
of anesthetic agents if a circumcision is to be
performed. The pain of
circumcision is intense, excruciating, and longlasting.
According to a recent study, 75% of U.S. obstetricians (ACOG
members) do not use any anesthesia for neonatal
circumcision. ACOG admits that infants feel pain when
someone is circumcising them. ACOG further admits that
sucrose and acetominophen are "not sufficient" medication
for this operation.

Informed consent. ACOG advises its members that
parents (plural) should be given "accurate and impartial
information" about circumcision. Even though ACOG does not
recommend circumcision because of its lack of medical
value, ACOG states that only infants who are already
"healthy and stable" should be subjected to
circumcision.

Reference. The complete original statement, which
is brief, may be viewed in a medical library. The citation
for the ACOG statement is: